John F. Kennedy Center Set for Controversial Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by Administration Statement.
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The governing board of the prestigious performing arts venue has approved a measure to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, attributing it to "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in saving the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt attain new levels of prestige and accomplishment," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, especially in Washington, D.C., where the center has been an architectural and cultural icon since its completion and original naming for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Venue
Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and installed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board subsequently voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president helped procure approximately $257 million in appropriated money to finance major renovations and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Inception
The concept for a national performing arts center began in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the then-under-construction venue was dedicated to his memory.
Further details are emerging. More details will be provided shortly.
